Yep, today's photo is nasty. No doubt about it.
But (no pun intended) the thing is... I like this photograph. A lot. To me it's just one of those images that, despite the subject matter, contains all the elements of good photo.
So, for my own sake, I'm gonna try to break it down and see why it works.
1. Decent Composition
For some time now I have been convinced that this single elusive quality is the ultimate deal breaker (or maker) when it comes to presenting a good photograph. Some folks can find the best compositions with their eyes closed... I can't. So it's a big deal for me when I stumble across one that I feel really works.
Now, I'm not gonna try to dissect leading lines, discuss the rule of thirds, or any of that other stuff, although these things can certainly be elements of a strong composition. Of far more interest to me is the raw appeal. The evocative, visceral, emotional impact (or repulsion) that some images can convey.
This one makes me feel dirty, lonely, lost, and discarded. Like a failure. Pretty strong stuff. Due in part, no doubt, to the fact that I was a reformed smoker that has now relapsed. Now I get to give them up again.
On the other hand, it also gives me a sense of community, connectedness, and hope. And I find it fascinating that this image can pull me in so many different directions at once. That's cool.
2. A Clear Subject
Sometimes the subjects can get lost in a composition, and this usually not a good thing. Except maybe where abstracts are concerned and the subject becomes the abstraction itself. For most images, though, it's usually best to find some way to point out the subject and leave little or no room for misinterpretation.
3. A Sense of Space
By this I mean that there is some sense of depth to the image. A clearly defined foreground, subject, and background. This is not necessary for every image, of course, but when it comes to defining images that appeal to me the most, it's usually there.
So, what has this little exercise taught me? I'm not sure. I knew these things already. But it might interest you to know that the egg is one of nature's most perfect foods. And I knew that already too. Maybe sometimes you just need to be reminded.
3 comments:
This is, to me, the visual equivalent of fingernails on blackboard. Intellectually all of your arguments are accurate. Here's a case where truth doesn't matter. The only thing that could make this thing less attractive would be smell-ography.
On the one hand every artist wants to ignite a visceral connection with an audience. Well that hand oughta be reeeeely happy about this image.
But the other hand oughta be sweaty and shaking since it wants LOVE, ADULATION, APPLAUSE! Well, when the initial reaction is... is.... AAAARGH!... then the that leaves that other hand... twitching about like Britney swatting an umbrella at a car (or vice versa).
Welcome back, where are your travel pix? Huh? Huh? Huh?
Well, it's my blog... so I'll post whatever smelly pics I want :)
As for the travel pictures, that will be a while. We're planning far into the future here and the trip won't take place til this time next month. But soon after that I will hopefully have a few to share.
strong powerful image to stop smoking excellent
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